Hemoglobin derivatives

Hemoglobin derivatives are altered forms of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that moves oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and body tissues.

This article discusses the test used to detect and measure the amount of hemoglobin derivatives in your blood.

Alternative Names

Methemoglobin; Carboxyhemoglobin; Sulfhemoglobin

How the test is performed

The test is performed using a small needle to collect a sample of blood from an artery. The sample may be collected from an artery in the wrist, groin, or arm.

Before blood is drawn, the health care provider may test circulation to the hand (if the wrist is the site). After the blood is drawn, pressure applied to the puncture site for a few minutes stops the bleeding.

If your child is going to have this test, it may help to explain how the test will feel, and even demonstrate on a doll. Explain the reason for the test. Knowing the "how and why" may reduce the anxiety your child feels.

How the test will feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed

This test is used to diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning and other changes in hemoglobin that may result from certain drugs. If certain chemicals or drugs get into the blood stream, they can change the hemoglobin so it no longer works properly.

For example, carboxyhemoglobin is an abnormal form of hemoglobin that attaches to carbon monoxide instead of oxygen or carbon dioxide. High amounts of this type of abnormal hemoglobin prevent the normal movement of oxygen by the blood.

Sulfhemoglobin is a rare abnormal form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen. It may result from certain medicines such as phenacetin or sulfonamides.

Methemoglobin occurs when the iron that is part of hemoglobin is changed so that it does not carry oxygen well. Certain compounds introduced into the blood stream can cause this problem:

Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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